2019-08-05 - Outstanding Matters

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : Isabella.

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : Alexander.

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : May I ask about something you mentioned on the boat? Regarding the case.

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : Of course. What do you need?

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : You mentioned tire tracks. My neighbor is, it appears, a mechanic with a local shop. He also seems very clever. If I could get a picture or casting of those tire tracks, I would like to ask him if he can identify the tires, or what kind of car they might belong to.

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : I'd ask the Captain, but he gets snarly when I ask for case file details.

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : You're more charming than I am. Probably have better luck.

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : Actually, I exchanged a few texts with him before I spoke to you on the boat. I told him about the tire tracks and he assured me that the detectives are combing through CCTV footage from the time of the Addington murder as well as what happened to my house. I didn't try to ask him about case details, it might be the reason why he doesn't think I'm any trouble. He's been nothing but kind to me in this entire process and I didn't want to seem like I was taking advantage. As for the tire tracks...

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((attached images of the tire tracks outside of the Reede house, an old but well maintained Tudor with brick facades))

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : I broke in my house a couple of days after it was processed. I was unable to find anything helpful, though there was...plenty of blood in the bathroom.

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : I'm sorry, Isabella. You shouldn't have had to see that.

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : Thank you for the pictures of the tire tracks. If I can do anything useful with them, I'll let you know. And the Captain is both kind and an asshole. It's one of the things that make him interesting.

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : Daddy prevented me from seeing it as it was. He wanted to protect me from it, no matter how much I struggled. But I was determined, even at the expense of my father's protection. So that's on me. Keep me posted?

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : Well, he's not an asshole to me yet. I'm sure it'll come eventually but it isn't as if I don't have experience clashing with difficult men. 😉

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : I suspect his method of interacting with beautiful, charming women and interacting with me are a bit different. But now I understand Spanish, which at least makes it more amusing.

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : Yeah, but as you know, I can also be stubborn and I tend to try other people's patience in my worst days. But I'll take the compliments gladly. ...wait, so have you always known Spanish or is this a recent thing? Were you doing Rosetta Stone lessons?

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : No. I got very drunk. Then very hungover. Then I understood Spanish. And German. And Yiddish, apparently. It's an interesting thing.

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : It is odd. Because I've been living among British academics for a few years and I've gotten rip-roaring drunk several times in my life and haven't expanded my linguistic repertoire through alcoholic osmosis. Do you think the experience made you more receptive to accelerated learning? What with...you know. The Talent.

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : To be fair, it was very terrible alcohol. It might have broken my brain. But yes. I've gotten stronger.

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : Are you thrilled or worried?

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : Yes.

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : How are you?

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : I'm exhausted, but largely in a good way. The morning swim helped, so I'm assuming I'm still under the effects of the endorphins that produces. I try not to medicate whenever I can. Some days are definitely better than others. I don't want you to worry too much about me, however, but I am happy that you asked. What about you? How are you?

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : I worry about who I want, Isabella. I'm better. The pain has nearly gone. I got some sleep. The leg is pretty much healed. I have concerns, but nothing as immediately distracting from our priority as the ring. ::thumbs up emoji::

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : Well I can't say I'm bemoaning it too much, what with calling me beautiful and charming so early in the morning followed by 'I'll worry about you if I want to damn it.' At the rate you're going, you might as well write me a love letter and stick it in my mailbox. ::angel emoji:: In all seriousness I'm glad you're better and I'm relieved that your leg is healed. What concerns do you have?

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : Should the wide world roll away, / Leaving black terror, / Limitless night, / Nor God, nor man, nor place to stand / Would be to me essential, / If thou and thy white arms were there, / And the fall to doom a long way.

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : It's not a love letter. I don't think I could write a good one. So I borrow a poem instead.

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : Concerns: The Captain has gotten himself in some sort of trouble he doesn't want to talk about. Two people are asking about the actors. People are learning to open doors to the lost places. Thorne and Dr. Glass seem to be having issues.

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((His notification alert is dinging. She is trying to reach him through a Facetime-type app))

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : ((Notification is accepted. Alexander appears to be sitting in a small, dark, officey sort of place. There is a green bird on his shoulder, who is chewing on his hair. He looks puzzled.)) "I don't think I've ever used this before."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((Isabella is clearly out in the outside sitting area of her houseboat, her dark hair wet and plastered on the sides of her face. She's busy toweling off one side of it with one hand, the other holding a cup of coffee. She's seated on a chair with her legs pulled up and clearly speaking to him through a laptop computer - earbud headphones and its attached mic keep their conversation private.)) "I use it all the time for calls to the UK. Nevermind that though, because I'm still reeling over the fact that you sent me poetry. Who are you?! I had to make sure you weren't a doppleganger." ((She leans closer to the screen to press her lips on his image and smiles.)) "Thank you. Cute bird, I didn't know you had a pet."

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : ((Alexander smiles.)) "I like poetry, Isabella. It's just not usually appropriate for most conversations that we've been tending to have." ((At the mention of the bird, he turns his head to look at it, and it reaches over to give him a 'kiss' on the corner of the mouth. He slips a finger against its chest, and when it steps up, moves it so she can see it better. It hangs upside down and tries to eat the phone.)) "This is Luigi. Luigi, Isabella. Isabella, Luigi."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((Isabella grins.)) "I appreciate poetry but I'm not as well read on it as I should." ((She leans into the camera, moonstone gleaming from her chain.)) "Hi Luigi! He's handsome...please tell me you named him after Mario's brother. Is it because he's green?"

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : "I suppose I know what to get you for Christmas, then." ((Luigi ignores what's going on in the screen, but Alexander's face lights up.)) "Yes! Luigi. What do we play?" ((The bird cocks an eye at him, then whistles several bars of the Super Mario Brothers opening music. Alexander grins, lifts him back up to his shoulder.)) "I think you're the first person who's figured that out. I knew there was a reason I liked you."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((Isabella laughs, sets down her cup so she can give the bird a small round of applause.)) "Well done. And...really? I mean, I was a kid once, too. Who hasn't played Mario Brothers? I was never any good at videogames though but that never really stopped me. You know, speaking of birds...yeah. That situation with Byron and Vivian. Between us, she asked me just in case if I was alright with her staying with me for a while in case things went south. She'll talk to Ronnie, and she was calm about it, she's dealing with it with the smooth, professional way she does everything else. I promised myself before that I wouldn't touch that entire..." ((She gestures vaguely.)) "...situation with a ten foot cattle prod but Vivian was always there for me, the least I can do is lend an ear and shelter her in case things go off the rails."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : "And then we started talking about fighting off marauders and pirates and how we'd make a good team diving for Spanish gold, and I told her all we would need now is a few cannons and a parrot. Would Luigi be interested?"

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : ((The bird stops preening Alexander to stare at the phone at the applause. There's an uncertain little whistle, then he takes off in a flurry of feathers that whap Alexander's ear, and flies out of sight. Alexander rubs at his ear and looks wry.)) "Don't take it personal. He's sweet, but nervous and a bit awkward with people he doesn't know." ((There's a sigh at the rest, and he rubs at the bridge of his nose.)) "It's not really any of my business. Definitely not the person who should be offering relationship advice. But I like them. So I am concerned." ((A hint of a smile at the end.)) "Luigi would probably be interested, if you gave him a few shiny coins to play with."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((Isabella's smile is a mischievous one.)) "Well, some people say pets do take after their owners. It was the same with Skipper, he's almost exactly like my father." ((Her expression grows serious.)) "I'm not the best at those either, but that doesn't really...Vivian's done a lot for me. I'd be remiss if I didn't do the same when she really needs it. I like them both, too. I've known Ronnie forever, and I think my situation would be worse if it weren't for Vivian's help." ((She sighs.)) "Worse thing is while I think Vivian's got a right to feel insecure and furious, it's not as if I don't understand where Ronnie's coming from also." ((Her expression shifts, softer and more solemn.)) "Second chances with someone you loved that deeply and lost are difficult to give up."

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : ((Alexander arches an eyebrow as he sits back in the chair, the sounds of feet going up on some sort of desk out of view - thump thump.)) "I'd try to protest, but can't. He's started to like Isolde, though, which thrills her. It's good." ((He quiets to listen.)) "What do you think should be done? They're adults. Interfering is likely to get messy and unpleasant, even with the friendship you have with them both."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : "Isolde?" ((Isabella purses her lips as she contemplates his question.)) "I'm definitely not interfering. They're both adults like you said, and their issue. I have opinions but I'm not going to offer them unless they ask me. It's messy and the urge to be a busybody is there because I care about them both, but this is definitely not my area and the last thing I want to do is make things worse."

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : ((Alexander nods, glances towards an unseen door.)) "Isolde. Friend from college. She's been living with me for a couple of months. She's nice." ((Another sigh, and a grimace.)) "As to the other situation...yes. It is all that I can see doing, either. I don't know anyone involved well enough to make a judgement. And my opinion would not, I suspect, be desired." ((He grins, then.)) "Although Dr. Glass did allow me to drive Thorne's car. Which was fun. It's a very nice car."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : "I'm glad Luigi likes her. Wait...was she part of your college ritual circle? ((Isabella leans forward at that, chin propped on one hand.)) "I'm glad she's nice to you also, and that you have people you can freely call friends." ((Her jaw hangs slightly about the car)) "Are you serious? Oh, God. He'd be so pissed if he found out." ((She's trying to fight down a smile.)) "When it comes to women and man problems, we sure don't hold back in going for the jugular."

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : "Mm. Yes. She actually practiced with me on occasion, which was a rare thing to find, back then." ((His smile slants, becomes sad.)) "We got lost together, and afterwards, she left. I was worried. But she seems good, now." ((His smile returns, as mischievous as a child's.)) "I was very responsible with the car, Isabella. He has no reason to be concerned."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : "Wait, was she an orgy partner?!" ((Isabella leans back against her seat, mischief brightening her eyes.)) "Wow, I think I misjudged you. I think the entire dark, broody, loner thing works better in your case than I thought." ((Brows furrow.)) "What do you mean lost? You mean..." ((She pauses, silent. But then she shakes her head.)) "Anyway I'm sure you were but that's not the point, and I think you know that." ((She laughs.))

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : "I think we just discussed my lack of inclination to kiss and tell, Miss Reede. And I mean we got lost. The only time outside of Gray Harbor I ever did. It was bad. But we survived." ((He gives a shrug, then offers a too-sweet smile. His tone turns fond.)) "I know what you mean. Not gonna say I didn't enjoy it a little extra, either." ((Then, he frowns, hesitates.)) "Actually. Could I ask you an odd question?"

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : "Ugh. Just take the joy out of everything." ((Isabella retakes her coffee cup, closing her eyes and inhaling the scent of it before taking a sip, then lifts her head to look back at him.)) "Mm? Go ahead."

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : ((Alexander hesitates.)) "Sarcasm. Yes?" ((A slight frown, before he shakes his head and moves on.)) "I understand Thorne's birthday is approaching. I certainly don't plan to intrude in any celebrations. But I thought I might get him a gift. Of some sort. If it would be appropriate. But I don't know what. Or whether it would be appreciated, or considered...unwanted."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((Isabella sighs.)) "Honestly, considering it's been Vivian making the arrangements, I'm not even certain if any celebrations will be going forward. And considering what the two of you have just been through together, I don't think it's all that outlandish to get him something. I think you can go either way on it. It would be nice if you did but it would also be fine if you didn't. People give obligatory gifts to business associates all the time and that's normally how I interpret the relationship between the both of you. He drinks, I'd suggest a relatively good but reasonably priced bottle. I can help you there if you like." ((She pauses, visibly radiating good humor.)) "And yes. The joy comment was a joke."

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : ((Alexander relaxes visibly at the confirmation of joke.)) "I do want to. I just don't know what to get. A bottle of something sounds appropriate. Suggestions would be appreciated - I don't know much about alcohol, aside from which ones are best to dissolve certain sort of poisons in."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((The look on Isabella's face is indescribable.)) "Well, now I know who to go to in the event I decide to switch careers and try my hand at writing crime novels. But yes, I'll compile a quick list and send it to you."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : "You mentioned something about...actors earlier? What's that about?"

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : ((Alexander looks sheepish. His voice becomes nervous, rapid.)) "Poison isn't the most common method of murder, but it's not unknown, either, and often forms the central methodology of the more interesting homicides, from a forensics perspective. And in certain class-based subcultures, the evening drink is enough of a reliable tradition that it becomes a popular medium for delivery of long-term poisoning attempts. Despite what the media likes to say, most poisons are not odorless or tasteless, and some react in different ways to different solutions, so some deductive analysis where delivery methods are concerned can be a useful substitute for when you don't have access to the laboratory equipment that--er?" ((He blinks.)) "Oh. There were actors. They tried to kill us. It didn't work. But now a couple of people seem to be asking about them. They mentioned wanting to meet with me. I should try to track them down."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((It may be surprising, but Isabella actually listens to that quick dissertation on poisons.)) "I didn't know that, honestly." ((Lips quirk faintly.)) "I'll keep that in mind the next time I have to analyze ancient remains." ((The news on the actors does put a new furrow on her brows.)) "Wait they tried to what? Why?!" ((She starts to look increasingly skeptical.)) "And these interested people want to meet with you alone?"

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : "The study of poisons is actually a very interesting one. People have tried to kill each other with just about every substance discovered by mankind." ((This is entirely sincere, but at least he's easily diverted.)) "Mm. The actors were working with the Shadows. They approached some of us individually, tried to get us to hurt other people so that the Shadows would leave us alone. Then they dragged us into a Dream. Tried to get us to sacrifice one of the group to be eaten." ((Alexander's face falls for a moment, and he looks away.)) "A couple of them really wanted it to be me. But we didn't. We fought. We killed them." ((He shrugs.)) "They want to meet privately. I should see what it is about."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((Isabella falls quiet for a long moment, her eyes gravitating away briefly towards the open water.)) "I'm not surprised you fought, and that you won." ((There is something inexplicably sober and even envious there. But she exhales and turns her green-gold eyes back at him.)) "You should, but prepare a contingency, okay? At least tell someone where you're going to be. You're not really alone in all of this anymore, Alexander."

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : ((Alexander smiles.)) "I will. Think tactically, right?" ((He studies her face in the small screen.)) "Are you well? "

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((Whatever shadows are there on Isabella's face is banished by a sudden laugh.)) "That's right. Think tactically." ((She pauses.)) I'm coping. One day at a time, right?" ((She takes a breath.)) "Detective Andi Johnson wrote me a letter when the word came out, she mentioned you're one of the few people in this city who knows about her sister's relevance to everything."

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : ((Alexander's expression turns serious.)) "If I can help, let me know. You're also not alone. As to the other...yes. When we met, I mentioned there were things I'd agreed not to share." ((A shrug as if to say 'there you go'.)) "Although I still don't know if it IS relevant. Or, at least, relevant to the William situation. The burning of the mortuary may be an entirely different affair. Gray Harbor has a lot of secrets."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((Isabella hesitates, and then smiles.)) "I appreciate it, for the offer...and not pressing." ((Her hand lifts to curl her fingers around her moonstone pendant.)) "Even before William, you mentioned members of my family have been dying or vanishing in strange and inexplicable ways. I wouldn't take any chances with her, so I suggested to Detective Johnson to seriously consider moving her out of here for a while. I'll help transport her if necessary."

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : "That would be the safest thing, but I don't know if it's feasible. Gray Harbor tends to have a hold on people. No one ever leaves when they should. I include you and me in that statement. But if she decides to do so, I will be happy to help in any way with it, as well."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((Something complicated and undefined twists her expression, but Isabella's familiar defiance reasserts itself.)) "Thank you. I'll let her know, if she responds to me. She might elect to do it herself, and I can't blame her for keeping me away from it as I'm a stranger. She reached out to me first, so...either way since the two of us are the four people who know about it, I'm sure if she's inclined to accept, we'll be hearing about it." ((Her eyes narrow.)) "Between you and I, if you're right about this, I'm actually quite eager for it to be my turn. I'd rather face a threat head on." ((She pauses, eyes cast elsewhere for a moment.)) "It isn't as if I don't feel fear, but facing it has always been my go-to."

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : ((Alexander smiles.)) "Because you're magnificently fierce." ((He turns more serious.)) "I don't want you in danger, Isabella. But it's understandable to want to fight head on. Especially when something has sucker-punched you. If I can help give you the chance to take it out, I will. If I can do that while making sure you don't die in the process, I would like to do that, too."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((Isabella smiles faintly.)) "Well, of course you do." ((That incorrigible mischief returns.)) "After all, you do really like me." ((She rolls her thumb absently against the gem resting against her top.)) "I know. Thank you." ((There's a pause as she quietly studies his face, before she clears her throat and makes a show of shifting and arranging things on the same table the laptop is on.)) "So what do you think is up with Captain de la Vega, then? How big of a trouble is he in, by your assessment?"

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : "I do. Really like you." ((He smiles, but it quickly turns into a concerned frown.)) "At least moderate. He doesn't want to talk about it. Can't push too much, or he'll push back. Frustrating. Thinking of tracking down his girlfriend, seeing if she knows more. Inappropriate?" ((This is a serious question; this is his serious face.))

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((His reiteration has Isabella giving him a sidelong glance, though her smile is wry, visible, and pleased.)) "Well, here's the thing. The trouble might be very personal, so you might be meddling in something out of your depth if you do that. I'm sure if it was something dealing with the strangeness here, he would be asking for your opinion. Who's his girlfriend?" ((She pauses, her expression thoughtful.)) "The Captain's been kind enough to help me improve my skill in firearms and I asked him if he would keep doing so once I've reclaimed some of my calm. He said he would be happy to, so I have a standing appointment to see him at some point. I don't want to pry too heavily in his business, but I could and should ask him if he's alright, and lend him an ear if he needs it. It's the least I can do to repay all of his kindnesses to me."

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : "If it comes up, that may be helpful." ((Alexander frowns.)) "He doesn't ask for help much. I am not meddling. I'm concerned." ((Frown deepens, then he sighs.)) "I'm meddling. I just don't like it. Sorry. Don't mean to get you involved. I should let it go. He's an adult." ((Nothing about his expression suggests he WILL let it go.))

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((Isabella laughs, propping her chin on one hand as she peers at the camera at him.)) "You're tenacious, Mister Clayton. But you and I have that in common. Seriously, though. I know you're worried, but...I mean, have you seen the Captain? I've been around military men all my life, I know the look of a warrior when I see one. I think he's the sort of person who'll be more receptive to letting people in if you let him know your door is open, rather than you bulling through his.

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : ((Alexander's jaw sets, stubbornly.)) "He's competent. But he owes me an invasion of privacy. So he'll probably forgive me." ((A huffy breath.)) "Anyway. None of those concerns are a larger priority than the William situation. We'll work on that. Get it settled."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((There's a hint of exasperation on Isabella's features.)) "Alright well, let me know when that fistfight is happening so I can start a pool. Wait, he invaded your privacy?" ((She stops short when the William situation returns to the table, and takes a quiet sip of her coffee - and wrinkles her nose as it's gone cold and she sets it aside.)) "We will. Hopefully the Addington meeting pans out. I'll keep you posted on that once it actually happens. What will you be doing in the interim?"

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : "I will." ((This sounds entirely earnest, and his expression is serious.)) "He did. I don't want to talk about it." ((He settles back and nods.)) "Hopefully. And I'm going to be working, if I can. Follow some leads. Maybe make some actual money before I have to ask Isolde to pay rent." ((A glance aside to a large filing cabinet.)) "Anyway. I should probably go, and it looks like your coffee is cold. It was nice. To talk to you."

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((Isabella's green-gold eyes lid, her cheek sinking further into her cupping palm.)) "It'll be easier now that you're feeling better, thank you for letting me know. I'm relieved, honestly, that what I did wasn't permanent." ((Her lips press together - he's absolved her of all responsibility for it, but guilt is hardly rational at the best of times. But she smiles at his last words.)) "Well, between you and me, I think you ought to consider my coffee going cold a bit of a compliment." ((She cants her head slightly.)) "But yes. Go forth. Kick some ass. And Alexander?"

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : "You didn't do anything, Isabella. You couldn't have known. I didn't know. And...yes?"

(TXT to Alexander) Isabella : ((Isabella's lashes lower even further, that soft, velvet look returning in her eyes.)) "Mou arései kai esý." ((It's Greek and her pronunciation is near-perfect. Her smile turns up faintly on the corners of her mouth again, though her contralto in the following words is imbued with a low, almost smoky quality - meant for quiet spaces and half-lit bedrooms, syllables wreathed with the most delicate intimacy.)) "See you soon?"

(TXT to Isabella) Alexander : ((Does Alexander blush. The lighting's not great, but it looks like he might.)) "Thank you, Isabella. See you soon." ((It's mumbled and he disconnects quickly.))